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The Aradena Gorge, the deepest in Chania, extends 138 meters deep and is perfect not just for taking in the sights or hiking, but also for adrenaline-filled activities like bungee jumping. Trekking through the canyon until reaching the beautiful Marmara beach provides an unforgettable experience for those daring enough to descend the gorge.
Aradena is among the longest and most intriguing gorges, stretching over 15km. The old inhabitants of Sfakia, referred to it as Faragas (meaning Huge Gorge) due to its massive size, differentiating it from the other gorges in Sfakia. The gorge begins at the base of the Thodoris peak of the White Mountains, specifically from the underground stream of the Drakolakki cave. Although its total length is 15 km, the hiking route is approximately 7km long and it takes approximately 2½ to 3 hours to walk it. The hiking trail of the Aradena gorge starts from the abandoned village of Aradena and ends up in the sea.
To reach the gorge from Chora Sfakion, you journey along the road to the mountainous village of Anopoli, perched 600m above sea level, and then another 3.5km to the village of Aradena, which sits 520m high on the edge of the gorge. The village was deserted after a vendetta and was once the site of the ancient city of Aradin.
Constructed by the wealthy Vardinogiannis family, an iron bridge spans the dizzying abyss, connecting both sides of the Aradena gorge. This is where thrill-seekers can bungee jump 138m downwards, making it the highest bungee bridge in Greece and the second in Europe.
Before reaching the bridge, you’ll find an old stone path on your right that leads to the bed of the Aradena gorge, near the picturesque chapel of Astratigos (Michael Archangel). From there, a 2.5-hour hike takes you through the bottom of the gorge and on slightly challenging terrain to the Libyan Sea. The end of the trek leads you to the pristine gravel beach of Gialeskari, also known as Marmara, where you can enjoy a rewarding swim. In the gorge, you’ll encounter a 9m deep vertical pass equipped with an iron ladder for easier access, towering cliffs, and old trails leading to the walls of the gorge. Also, you’ll spot two more abandoned villages, Azogyres and Stern (St Vasilios), on the gorge’s sides.
A picturesque hour-long walk from the gorge’s exit will take you to the village of Loutro, where boats sail to Chora Sfakion. Alternatively, from the coast of Marmara, a small boat transports people to Loutro daily. If you opt not to take the boat, it’s a two-hour walk from Loutro to Chora Sfakion.
Get directions to Aradena Gorge
Aradena Gorge is a hiking gorge located in the Chania region of Greece.
Aradena Gorge is a hiking gorge with a signed trail.
Generally, Aradena Gorge is dry.
Aradena Gorge can be accessed via a paved road or by boat.
The full length of Aradena Gorge is 15 km, the hiking route is approximately 7km long.
On a scale of 1 to 10, the difficulty level of Aradena Gorge is 2.
It takes approximately 3 hours to hike Aradena Gorge.
The altitude difference in Aradena Gorge is 520.
Located in Livanianá, 600 metres from Lycos Beach, Georgoshouse Lykos beach Sfakia provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar. Less than 1 km from Marmara Beach and a 13-minute walk from Finikas Beach, the hotel features a private beach area. The accommodation offers room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
At the hotel, every room includes a patio with a garden view. Each room is fitted with a shared bathroom with a shower, while selected rooms come with a terrace and others also offer sea views. At Georgoshouse Lykos beach Sfakia all rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels.
The daily breakfast offers continental, vegetarian or vegan options.
Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Livanianá, like hiking and snorkelling.
Fortress of Frangokastello is 38 km from Georgoshouse Lykos beach Sfakia. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 100 km from the hotel.
from
€45
/night
Offering a sun terrace and a public beach nearby, Taverna Akrogiali is situated in Lykos in the Crete Region. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.
Every room includes a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower.
There is a shared lounge at the property. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including snorkelling, fishing and canoeing.
The property is arranging free transfer from and to Loutro. Chania International Airport is 100 km from the property.
from
€55
/night
Daskalogiannis Hotel is situated on the beachfront in Loutro, 80 metres from Loutro Beach and 300 metres from Akroyiali Beach. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a shared lounge and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Rooms include a balcony with mountain views.
At the hotel the rooms include air conditioning, a desk, a terrace with a sea view, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, bed linen and towels. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge.
The daily breakfast offers continental, Full English/Irish or American options.
Guests at Daskalogiannis Hotel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Loutro, like hiking.
Finikas Beach is 1.1 km from the accommodation, while Lycos Beach is 2.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 83 km from Daskalogiannis Hotel.
Located in Anopoli Sfakion and only 25 km from Fortress of Frangokastello, Madares Apartments Anopolis provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio.
The apartment comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with sea views.
If you would like to discover the area, cycling is possible in the surroundings.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 87 km from the apartment.
Located in Khóra Sfakíon, within 100 metres of Vrissi Beach and less than 1 km of Ilingas Beach, The Authentic Village Boutique Hotel provides accommodation with a garden and free WiFi throughout the property as well as free private parking for guests who drive. Featuring luggage storage space, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The property is allergy-free and is set 1.4 km from Ammoudi Beach.
At the hotel every room is equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, bathrobes and slippers. Rooms include a kettle, while selected rooms have a patio and others also provide guests with garden views. At The Authentic Village Boutique Hotel all rooms come with bed linen and towels.
The nearest airport is Chania International, 76.5Km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
No breakfast on-site, instead, we offer a 10% discount in the local traditional bakery every morning during your stay.
Our property is not suitable for people with any walking issues, or mobility difficulties.
from
€115
/night
Boasting inner courtyard views, Braos Villa features accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 100 metres from Vrissi Beach. With quiet street views, this accommodation provides a patio.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a hot tub and an a bath or shower. A flat-screen TV with streaming services is available.
Ilingas Beach is 1.1 km from the apartment, while Ammoudi Beach is 1.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 77 km from Braos Villa.
